(22) Barriers to Research among Residents in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Thursday, September 15, 2022

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM CDT

Presenting Author(s)

Matthew Sansevere, DMD

Resident
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Co-Author(s)

David Young, DMD

Resident
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
PS

Priya Sivalingam, BS

Research Assistant
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Joli C. Chou, DMD

Attending Physician, Principal Investigator
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Disclosure(s):

Matthew Sansevere, DMD: No financial relationships to disclose

David Young, DMD: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Priya Sivalingam, BS: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Joli C. Chou, DMD: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Abstract: Research is fundamental to the development of evidence-based medicine, which contributes to improved patient outcomes. The Commission on Dental Accreditation deem research experience to be an integral part of the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residency training program. This study aims to characterize the current attitudes and perceived barriers by residents in conducting research during OMS residency.
The materials and methods of this study employed an anonymous web-based survey, which was randomly sent to 600 residents across the country. The study was completed over a six month period. This survey investigated demographics, resident and program expectations, resident attitudes toward and perceived barriers to research and program support of research. Data analysis was completed by descriptive statistics, which were tabulated and analyzed.
Of the 600 residents invited to participate in the survey, 24% completed the survey. 32.9% of the respondents are enrolled in a certificate granting program, while 65.8% of the respondents are enrolled in a certificate and MD granting program. 80% of the respondents report that their program has a minimum research requirement for residency completion. 92.4% of the respondents report their program does not provide protected research time. 42.6% responded that their program has access to formal research or clinical trial facilities, although only 18.5 % reported that their program provides formal research training or courses. Finally, while the respondents’ career plans after training are somewhat equally distributed between private practice and academics, 63% believe that research experience is beneficial in residency.
When the respondents were asked to identify their perceived barriers to research during residency, the single most identified barrier was a lack of time to complete research (74.7%). This perceived barrier is validated by the majority of training programs reportedly not providing dedicated time for research. Other top perceived barriers include lack of research mentors or supervisors (32.7%) and lack of access to bio-statistical support (30.2%).
In conclusion, most residents believe research experience during residency training is beneficial, and although most training programs in the US require research for completion, many do not provide protected time to facilitate this process.

References
1. Commission on Dental Accreditation: Accreditation Standards for Advanced Specialty Education Programs in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, adopted Feb 12, 2021 and implemented January 1, 2022
2. Mohammad AE, Best AM, Laskin DM. Attitudes and opinions of residency directors and residents about the importance of research in oral and maxillofacial surgery residencies. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011 Jul;69(7):2064-9. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2011.01.033. Epub 2011 Apr 29.